BOSS: FIRST GOAL CRUCIAL

5 April 2014

Steve Pearce

Nothing in game until Rhodes' strike - now we have to bounce back says Mick

Mick McCarthy said the first goal proved crucial as Blues went down to a 2-0 defeat at Ewood Park.

Former Blue, Jordan Rhodes, bagged his third goal in three games against Town to break the deadlock on 64 minutes and Rudy Gestede added a second 10 minutes from time to wrap up the three points for Blackburn.

“There was nothing in it until the goal, we were as equally as good as they were and they were getting frustrated,” said the Town boss.

“I was quite happy with the first-half and we had chances but didn’t take them. They had a striker – an £8 million one, mind, who took his – and it wasn’t easy – and that proved crucial.

“I didn’t think he had a kick before the goal but he showed his quality. He is a good player at this level. If he can do it in the Premier League, he’s going to be a top striker.

“It was poor defending by us though and obviously it’s disappointing to concede from a set-piece for the second but it was a great delivery. If you put balls into the box of that quality, you are going to score goals.”

The defeat leaves Town five points off sixth placed Reading, with Mick adding: “It’s important to bounce back on Tuesday at Huddersfield because it’s always important to bounce back after a defeat.

“We have got to travel back down and then up again and that’s not ideal but we’ll get on with it.

“The games are running out, with six left and Reading are in the driving seat. It’s their place to lose but we will go again, get as many points as we can and see where we end up.”